2014 bowman campaign - final · 2014-10-17 · page!4!of40! 1 acity!hall!that!works!...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3

1 A City Hall that Works ................................................................................................. 4 1.1 FairShare Winnipeg ........................................................................................................ 6 1.2 Lifting the Veil of Secrecy at City Hall ............................................................................ 7 1.3 Bowman Pledges To Work Towards a New Tax Model .................................................. 9 1.4 Better Infrastructure for Winnipeg .............................................................................. 11 1.5 Targeting Cost Savings at City Hall ............................................................................... 12 1.6 Unlocking the Door to City Hall .................................................................................... 14

2 A Growing and Modern City ..................................................................................... 16 2.1 BuildWINNIPEG Partnership ........................................................................................ 17 2.2 Putting Infrastructure on the Right Track .................................................................... 20 2.3 Rapid Transit ................................................................................................................ 23 2.4 Supporting Small Business ........................................................................................... 25 2.5 Winnipeg Needs to Grow Smarter ............................................................................... 26 2.6 Silicon Valley of the North ........................................................................................... 28 2.7 Represent Winnipeg on a National Stage .................................................................... 28

3 Safer and Stronger Neighbourhoods ........................................................................ 30 3.1 Bowman Stands Up For Downtown Winnipeg ............................................................. 31 3.2 Combating Homelessness ............................................................................................ 32 3.3 Developing a Downtown Neighbourhood ................................................................... 33 3.4 Increase Downtown Residents by One Third in First Term .......................................... 35 3.5 Increasing Tourism in Winnipeg ................................................................................... 36 3.6 Bowman Wants Stronger Community Centres ............................................................ 38 3.7 Winnipeg to be Internationally Recognized Leader in Indigenous Art & Culture ........ 39

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Introduction I have a vision for a vibrant Winnipeg, and I’m running for mayor because I believe we are only limited by the restrictions we put on ourselves. The role of the mayor, and of city hall, is to help remove the barriers between what we have today and what we want for tomorrow. What I want is to build a growing, thriving, more modern city. A city with stronger, safer neighbourhoods, and a vibrant downtown where Winnipeggers want come to work, live and play. I know this concept seems a little daunting these days. In fact, there have been times in this campaign when it sounds like someone tried to ban optimism. And crush hope. And replace it with fear. These messages represent old style political games and a political system which you can change with your vote. Our community is diverse, but we are unified by our deep roots. We are different, but we face challenges together. Our strength, our diversity, our tradition of facing challenges together. That is why we should be optimistic about our future here. That is why I am in this race. Winnipeg is at its best when it looks to the future. We have seen what we can achieve here together. Anything we set our minds to. From the return of the NHL to the Museum for Human Rights, to facing some of the greatest challenges Mother Nature can find. We can overcome any obstacle. We can seize any opportunity. For Winnipeg. I believe in Winnipeg. Optimism. Diversity. Community. Young and old. Established and new. First nations and Métis. Families and business people. All working together, all with a voice at the table. There is a better way. A choice for positive, accountable and transparent action. This document represents what I want to bring to City Hall and to Winnipeg. On October 22, join me and vote for change. Vote for a new generation of leadership. Vote For Winnipeg. Brian

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1 A City Hall that Works

A City Hall that Works is about 1) restoring trust in government, 2) engaging the public regarding priorities and 3) providing leadership to address the most challenging problems. One of the most significant issues facing Winnipeg is the $7B infrastructure deficit. The property tax model has failed to provide Winnipeg, and cities in general, with adequate funding for city services and infrastructure maintenance -‐ property taxes are not the answer.

As mayor, Bowman will begin discussions with Manitoba municipalities and the province to move collectively away from reliance on regressive property taxes and move to a taxation model based on growth. The objective is to ensure everyone benefiting from Winnipeg’s services and infrastructure -‐-‐including non-‐residents-‐-‐ contributes to their maintenance and expansion. Bowman will seek to recover Winnipeg's fair share of the recent provincial PST increase in addition to targeting efficiency improvements of 2% for each city department.

Bowman has proposed an ambitious plan to change the culture and perception of city hall by proactively disclosing information to citizens to improve accountability, transparency and public engagement. Bowman would also cut the EPC top-‐up in half, as the motivation to serve the city should not be extra income. A Bowman city hall would find cost savings by re-‐evaluating the pension and benefit plans for new employees in addition to the severance packages for council.

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If elected Mayor Bowman has also committed to:

• Have all six positions on EPC electable. Members of council would elect six members to EPC and submit the recommendation to the Mayor for approval and appointment. This would expedite the appointment process and could be enacted without amending the City of Winnipeg Charter. Council members would be elected to EPC for a period of two years.

Bowman also pledged to:

• Reduce all salary top-‐ups to members of EPC, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Deputy Mayor by 50%.

• Reduce the Mayor’s salary by an equal amount to that of members of EPC. • Create an Executive Council (formerly the Executive Policy Secretariat). This would

help develop meaningful policies for the city and serve as an effective go-‐between with EPC and Administration.

Relevant Policies

• A City Hall That Works • FairShare Winnipeg • Lifting the Veil of Secrecy at City Hall • New Tax Model • Rebuilding Winnipeg • Targeting Cost Savings at City Hall • Unlocking the Door to City Hall

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1.1 FairShare Winnipeg

BOWMAN ANNOUNCES FAIRSHARE WINNIPEG TO HELP FIX CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTURE

Calls for Fairer Share of PST Increase to Help BuildWINNIPEG

If Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman is elected, he vowed to open the doors on an open and collaborative relationship with the Province in an effort to secure a fairer share of the PST increase for badly needed street repairs and infrastructure improvements in Winnipeg.

“It is no secret that Winnipeg does not get its fair share of PST funding for infrastructure,” said Bowman. “But rather than playing political games or calling for complicated new deals, we simply want to begin a new era of positive discussions to see how both levels of government can work together to help re-‐build Manitoba’s Capital City. It’s in everyone’s best interests.”

According to the Government of Manitoba’s Five-‐Year Plan, Bowman says Winnipeggers will contribute approximately $154 million of the 1% PST increase in 2014/15 yet will receive just $50 million back from the Province or less than a third of its overall contribution.

“Given that the PST increase is dedicated to improving infrastructure, we’re calling on the Province to work collaboratively with us to ensure Winnipeggers receive their fair share of infrastructure improvements.”

Ideally, Bowman said he would like to see Winnipeg’s fair share of PST revenues consolidated into the BuildWINNIPEG Partnership and Fund, as announced yesterday, but pointed out that what Winnipeggers care most about is that elected officials simply get the job done.

“New sources of revenue are desperately needed to help get Winnipeg’s infrastructure back on the right track,” said Bowman. “Ensuring a fairer share of the PST increase is dedicated to improvements in Winnipeg is the surest way for both the Province and City to be able to deliver long-‐term results, especially to residents who contribute the lion’s share of the revenue.”

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1.2 Lifting the Veil of Secrecy at City Hall Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman made the first of many announcements focused on changing the culture and perception of Winnipeg’s City Hall. Today’s announcement focused on a plan that will improve accountability, transparency and public engagement.

“For far too long, many Winnipeggers have been of the view that their City Hall has been closed off to them, the very citizens it is supposed to work for,” said Bowman. “Winnipeg needs New Generation Leadership. Leadership that will bring good ideas and people in our community to City Hall, and provide Winnipeggers with positive, forward-‐looking, and inclusive leadership. We need to end the divisive, secretive and short-‐sightedness that have taken over politics in our community.”

As part of Bowman’s Open Government and Public Engagement Policy For Winnipeg, he has proposed the following changes:

Increased Proactive Disclosure. While recognizing that some changes have already been implemented for the Mayor and Councillors, Bowman has proposed additional improvements that include:

• Make council votes easily accessible, including the ability to archive and subsequently search online for past votes. Also include access to council expenses, including travel.

• Monthly, online, detailed publication of all discretionary budgets used by Councillors including but not limited to Standing Committee budgets; Speaker’s Budget etc.

• FIPPA compliant publication of Mayor’s Office schedule & calendar, including calendars for Mayor’s Office senior staff.

• Encourage Councillors to make FIPPA compliant publication of schedules and calendars.

• Increase the frequency of online publication of Councillor Conflict of Interest declarations.

• Mandate the City Clerk’s office to report annually to Mayor and Council on what other jurisdictions are doing in the area of Open Government. Identify new approaches and advances that the Mayor and Council can then consider for implementation in Winnipeg.

• Open Government will be a mandatory section in the Mayor’s State of the City Address to Winnipeggers. It will identify areas recently introduced and will identify areas for future progress.

• As Mayor, Bowman will lead and work with Council to ensure that the discretionary exemptions under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) will not be used to block the release of information. City Hall information that can be legally shared will be shared with Winnipeggers. Its

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release should not be an option to be decided by the political establishment at City Hall.

“We have a City Hall where it seems as if decisions are being made and presented to the Council as done deals,” said Bowman. “There is little opportunity for the Council, let alone the public, to voice their concerns or participate in debate. This has to change.”

Bowman asserted that Winnipeggers aren’t as engaged as they could be, and right now many roadblocks exist in simply accessing public information from City Hall.

“City Hall lacks consistency in allowing the public to be heard with respect to policy development or decision-‐making that affects how we live, work and play,” said Bowman.

As part of today’s announcement Bowman also highlighted the creation of an Office of Public Engagement. This new office will serve as the central system supporting all city projects. It will ensure that there is consistency and transparency in sharing information with citizens on all projects, so that no project can slip through the cracks or fall off the radar until it is too late. In past years this has become common practice in many major cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa.

In addition, a central web page will be created for all public-‐facing projects that are looking for public feedback.

“This is more that just announcing another town hall meeting,” said Bowman. “This is making better use of technology to reach Winnipeggers on their ideas for projects that are of concern to them.”

Today’s announcement is a first in the series of policies focused on improving governance at City Hall. In the coming weeks Bowman will continue to deliver policy that is focused on Winnipeg’s economy, communities, infrastructure and government.

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1.3 Bowman Pledges To Work Towards a New Tax Model

As part of his plan to grow Winnipeg’s economy, Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman announced a commitment to limit any property tax increases, over the next four years, to the rate of inflation.

“Fixing our infrastructure requires long-‐term, stable revenues,” said Bowman. “Our streets are in disrepair, traffic lights don’t work when it’s wet and water main breaks are all too common. This is my top priority which will require increased and focused spending in the years ahead.”

Based on the average rate of inflation in Winnipeg over the last three years – Bowman said citizens would be looking at annual property tax increase of approximately 2% or about $35 more a year for a home valued at $265,000.

“I have already outlined my goal of finding 2% in efficiencies in the city. I understand Winnipeggers are feeling over-‐taxed and I believe the city has a duty to find savings, not just going back to cap in hand to the taxpayer. Winnipeggers are very well aware of the need to fix our crumbling streets and have had enough of empty promises,” said Bowman. “At events and on doorsteps, Winnipeggers have been extremely vocal about the need for City Hall to fix our crumbling streets. By moderately increasing the property tax and keeping a dedicated portion directed to repair and renewal, I’ll address the top priorities of our citizens,” he said.

As part of his longer-‐term vision, Bowman said, as Mayor, he would move quickly to initiate a discussion among other municipal leaders regarding the long-‐term future of

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funding for municipalities and the need to find alternative revenue source beyond property taxes.

“Property taxes stifle economic growth and activity,” said Bowman, “which is why it’s critical that Winnipeg spear-‐head a province-‐wide municipal discussion with leaders to explore ending our reliance on property tax revenues. It’s the only way we will be able to continue to grow and meet the needs of our citizens.”

Bowman noted that discussions of this nature are already underway in cities like Edmonton.

“Let's begin a process with the goal of creating a fairer tax model that grows as the economy grows and provides municipalities with the needed revenues in a manner that supports economic growth and the infrastructure needs of the community,” said Bowman.

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1.4 Better Infrastructure for Winnipeg

Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman announced that he would invest an additional $10 million dollars each year, over the next four years, into the city’s infrastructure budget to improve Winnipeg’s crumbling roads.

“Winnipeggers feel the impact of an aging infrastructure every day and that's not acceptable,” said Bowman. “Our plan will bring City Council and city staff together to find two per cent savings in annual operating costs. Those savings will then be redirected towards fixing our roads, which is top of mind for many voters that I have met while door-‐knocking.”

Bowman’s plan will target savings across all city departments, with the exception of police, fire and paramedic services. Savings will be targeted by focusing on energy efficiencies and taking advantage of new technologies. Layoffs and salary reductions will not be considered as part of the initiative.

“Over the past few years property taxes have gone up while the state of our roads has gone down. City Hall should not ask more of Winnipeg residents without finding savings on its end. Winnipeggers should expect nothing less from their municipal government and elected officials,“ said Bowman.

Bowman stated that part of today’s plan was developed after researching and evaluating similar initiatives in other major Canadian cities.

“Under the leadership of new Mayor Don Iveson, The City of Edmonton has taken on a very similar initiative to the one I am proposing today,” said Bowman. “Their plan has already resulted in some early positive results. This is a best practice that we can adopt here to help us move forward to build a stronger, modern Winnipeg.”

As part of Bowman’s plan he also committed to the establishment of a Mayor’s Infrastructure Investment Committee that would be comprised of City Councillors, and city staff from all levels of the public service, who would work collaboratively to find an annual two per cent savings. If elected Mayor, Bowman will chair the committee and make its work a main priority of his office and staff.

“By encouraging the collaboration between elected officials and City staff we will find efficiencies so we can get down to the business of fixing our roads,” said Bowman.

Bowman’s Infrastructure Investment Policy For Winnipeg is part of a series of policies to be focused on improving governance at City Hall.

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1.5 Targeting Cost Savings at City Hall Improving city services requires taking a look at the city’s pension for new hires, finding fuel efficiencies, and researching innovative solutions to reduce city spending: Bowman

Creating a City Hall that works means having the right plan to get Winnipeg’s financial house in order. Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman addressed those concerns by releasing a plan focused on targeting short and long-‐term efficiencies through technology and adopting best practices from other cities.

In addition, Bowman identified that he would work with city administration and unions to restructure the pension and benefit program for new city hires.

“Cities across North America are grappling with costs and looking for ways to become more efficient. Winnipeg is no exception. We have to continue to find new and innovative solutions to improve and maintain services for citizens, while we continue to control city spending” said Bowman

As part of today’s announcement Bowman also pledged he would seek to:

• Create an Innovation Committee. This committee would replace the rarely used Alternative Services Delivery Committee and it would serve as a full standing committee tasked to find best practices for service delivery and technologies from other jurisdictions. The office of New Urban Mechanics in Boston and Philadelphia is an example of using technologies to solve problems such as the Street Bump app, which Boston uses to crowdsource data to provide the city with real-‐time information to fix short-‐term problems and plan long-‐term investments;

• Reduce and Impose Restrictions on Councillor Ward Budgets. This reduction would no longer allow a councilor to claim expenses for meetings with their staff, fellow councilors or city employees. Additionally, this change in the ward allowance will also prevent councillors from expensing tickets to charitable events, golf tournaments, gala dinners, luncheons or similar events. Councillors would also not be permitted to submit expenses for home cable and internet or tickets for sporting events;

• Eliminate the City’s Campaign Subsidy. Rebates would no longer be issued to individuals contributing to municipal election campaigns;

• Dissolve the Office of Policy Development and Communications; and • Introduce a New Benefit and Pension Plan for New City Employees. Bowman

would work the administration, employees, and union officials in an effort to introduce a more sustainable program for all new city hires.

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“These measures are not quick fixes. They are measures that have a long-‐term goal of institutional cost-‐savings for the city. They also encourage a new culture of innovation where we seek new solutions to old problems” said Bowman. “During this campaign I’ve talked about the need for Smart Growth to grow our city economically. To encourage Smart Growth we need a smart, innovative City,”

Bowman’s has also previously pledged to find 2% in departmental operating costs which includes measures such as:

• Seeking fuel efficiencies by phasing in more fuel efficient vehicles and heavy equipment;

• Reducing EPC, speaker, deputy speaker, and Mayor salaries; • Switching software licenses to less expensive options; • Switching to LED lightbulbs.

“As a city we have a duty to look at how we’re spending citizen’s money, there are many things we need to fix but we need to look inwards for savings instead of simply asking taxpayers for more or sinking the city deeper into debt,” said Bowman.

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1.6 Unlocking the Door to City Hall Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman announced an open data plan that will continue to improve openness and transparency at City Hall.

“Preventing immediate and effective access to information reinforces the perception there is a veil of secrecy at City Hall,” said Bowman. “By improving the way information flows out of the City we can improve and encourage community and public engagement.”

Bowman stated today that this new policy will bring Winnipeg in line with many cities such as Regina, Edmonton, Toronto, and Brandon.

“Winnipeg's current plan does not provide citizens and businesses with easily accessible and readable information,” said Bowman. “Right now the process is cumbersome and overly restrictive and reactive. Why can’t someone go online and see mosquito trap counts, or what neighbourhoods are at risk for frozen pipes? Why can’t the City tell us which roads are in the worst shape?”

Bowman also stated that while the City of Winnipeg has adopted this principle in practice, the City has not been proactive in making more information public.

“Making more information about our City available to the public empowers citizens and businesses to identify countless opportunities,” said Bowman. “The type of information we’re talking about includes reports of frozen pipes, brown water, and potholes. These are real issues that Winnipeggers unfortunately have to deal with every day.”

Bowman also stated that there would also be a commercial benefit for the City of Winnipeg by making more information available to the public.

"In the information-‐based economy we now live in, open data will create economic activity and jobs that support Winnipeg families. We need to create more jobs for Winnipeg families and today's open data announcement is intended to do just that,” said Bowman.

As part of Bowman’s Open Data For Winnipeg policy, he has proposed the following changes:

• All City of Winnipeg information should, by default, be freely and proactively available to the public unless they contain information legally required to remain confidential.

• City information should be available in a standardized, machine-‐readable format.

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• City information should be unencumbered by restrictive licensing agreements allowing for the free use of data by research groups, community organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs.

• City information should be made available in a timely manner in order to preserve its value.

• All released Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) requests should be published online and made available to the public.

If elected, Bowman will work with City Council and City of Winnipeg Administration to evaluate the best approach to ensuring a cost-‐effective means to collecting and releasing information.

If elected Bowman has committed to reducing the City of Winnipeg’s FIPPA requests by 25% during his first year in office, as well as identifying the top 20 pieces of City information most frequently sought after, and ensuring they are released by the end of his first year in office.

Following year one, if elected, Bowman is committed to releasing new City information on a monthly basis while ensuring that previously published data will be continually refreshed and updated.

“Today’s announcement is about unlocking and opening the front door and bringing our City in line with current practices in other cities,” said Bowman.

Bowman’s Open Data For Winnipeg Policy, is part of a series of policies focused on improving governance at City Hall. Over the course of the campaign, Bowman will continue to deliver policy focused on Winnipeg’s economy, communities, infrastructure and government.

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2 A Growing and Modern City

Winnipeg is growing. In fewer than 20 years, the population is expected to reach one million. Managing our city on an election-‐cycle basis without a plan for the hundreds of thousands more people will only make our current situation worse. We need to take charge and lead our city to a better future.

In the immediate short term, as mayor, Bowman will invest an additional $10 million each year into the city’s infrastructure budget to improve Winnipeg’s crumbling roads. One of the first priorities is to create a new, cost-‐neutral "BuildWINNIPEG Partnership" mandated to repair and build the city’s roads, public transit and active transportation networks.

The partnership will allow Winnipeg to take on a larger role in city development with a common sense plan to improve cooperation with senior levels of government and city planning staff and build a more vibrant city centred around a sustainable growth model.

Bowman pledged to complete the City of Winnipeg’s bus rapid transit project by 2030. A completed BRT system will increase ridership, reduce overall commuter traffic on Winnipeg’s streets, and provide Winnipeggers with real transit solutions. The project would create jobs and help to reduce traffic and wear on our roads.

Winnipeg will also harness the untapped talent and resources of its world-‐class universities and educational institutions leveraging the incredible strength of these institutions, Bowman’s plan will create new opportunities for students, improve community engagement and generate new ideas to tackle Winnipeg’s crumbling infrastructure.

Relevant Policies

• BuildWinnipeg Partnership • BuildWINNIPEG by Engaging Post Secondary Institutions • Putting Infrastructure on the Right Track • Rapid Transit • Rebuilding Winnipeg • Winnipeg Needs to Grow Smarter

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2.1 BuildWINNIPEG Partnership

BOWMAN VOWS TO CREATE BuildWINNIPEG PARTNERSHIP

Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman said one of his first priorities will be to create a new, cost-‐neutral, "BuildWINNIPEG Partnership" that will be mandated to develop, coordinate and deliver a long-‐term, 10-‐year plan to repair and build the city’s roads, public transit and active transportation networks.

“For too long the key stakeholders that contribute to Winnipeg’s transportation infrastructure have worked independently without a coordinated focus and vision towards long-‐term sustainable growth,” said Bowman. “For Winnipeg to reach its full potential, it is critical to bring all stakeholders together in a common cause that cannot be sidetracked by short-‐term, quick fix ideas.”

In particular, Bowman said Winnipeg has suffered for years from a structure of inaction that has led to the mess that residents have to deal with on a daily basis. This includes:

• Ad hoc measures by different levels of government; • Lack of coordination between roads, public transit and active transportation

investments; • Political gamesmanship and interference from City Hall.

“Winnipeg can’t keep going in the same old direction that is structured for such inaction,” said Bowman. “Every driver, bus rider, trucker and cyclist will tell you that things are a mess and that Winnipeg needs a long-‐term plan that brings all the important players to the table to work together.”

Bowman’s BuildWINNIPEG Partnership will bring together representatives from:

• City of Winnipeg Planning and Property Development, Public Works, Transit and Active Transportation, along with other appropriate departments and individuals including the new office of Public Engagement;

At the same time Bowman will invite participation from:

• The Province of Manitoba; • The Government of Canada; • External stakeholders, as required, including active transportation.

The BuildWINNIPEG Partnership will establish and manage the "BuildWINNIPEG Fund" which will consolidate all City sources of revenue currently directed towards Winnipeg’s transportation infrastructure. New sources of revenue will also be identified and where possible added to the fund.

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To ensure transparency and accountability, the 10-‐year BuildWINNIPEG plan will require City Council approval. Once approved, it will be used to leverage federal funding in collaboration with the Province of Manitoba.

"The message we're getting from Winnipeggers on the door steps is that it's time to end the political bickering and get the job done when it comes to fixing our transportation infrastructure," said Bowman. "That's exactly what we plan to accomplish with this collaborative, new partnership."

As part of the BuildWINNIPEG Plan, Bowman would also harness the untapped talent and resources of its world-‐class universities and educational institutions.

Leveraging the incredible strength of these institutions, Bowman’s plan will create new opportunities for students, improve community engagement and generate new ideas to tackle challenges such as Winnipeg’s crumbling infrastructure.

“Winnipeg is home to tremendous talent and research skills at universities and colleges that rank among the best in this country. It’s right here in our own city,” said Bowman. “When you have world class resources in your own city, I think you should use them. For years, City hall has seen these facilities as some other level of government. I see them as another opportunity. We can harness the strength of our universities and colleges to help Winnipeg reach its full potential.”

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Bowman identified five major components of his plan:

• Support for a new research chair in Municipal Infrastructure in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba, using funds sourced from the new BuildingWINNIPEG Fund;

• Creation of an expert panel with representatives from Winnipeg’s post-‐secondary institutions; the panel will work with city staff to identify best practices and opportunities to improve efficiencies in infrastructure processes, for example seeking out solutions for best methods in cold weather climate;

• Create a Mayor's Scholars program, which will provide financial support to the best and brightest grade 12 graduates in Winnipeg that are pursuing university or college in our city.

• Review and expand current internship and coop opportunities for talented students within the Winnipeg Public Service;

• Support the community engagement efforts of our universities and colleges, like the rehabilitation of the Merchant’s Hotel;

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2.2 Putting Infrastructure on the Right Track Winnipeg will have a solid plan to repair its crumbling roads, water mains and other basic infrastructure through a common sense plan unveiled today by mayoral candidate Brian Bowman. His approach to tackle Winnipeg’s crumbling infrastructure will combine immediate steps and long term, transparent planning principles, as well as improved cooperation with senior levels of government.

“Infrastructure is by far the number one issue Winnipeggers are concerned about,” said Bowman. “As Mayor, I will address this challenge with a sound long term plan and clear principles. There are three ways to tackle this challenge – raising taxes, cutting other services, or growing the City of Winnipeg. My plan is to grow the city. This approach will allow us to create new revenue while ensuring spending is focused on the infrastructure that will support the people of Winnipeg now and into the future.”

Bowman broke his plan into three key areas:

• Practices – put into practice the steps already identified by the Infrastructure Funding Council’s 2011 report. These include changes and improvements to construction planning and contracting practices that will allow Manitoba construction firms to get the job done. It would also involve the increased use of both fines and incentives to encourage rapid and efficient completion of construction projects;

• Plan -‐ develop a permanent infrastructure plan for the city that goes beyond the limits of the master transportation plan. Economic growth and job creation will play a key role in the identification of priorities in this continuously evolving, transparent plan; innovative funding approaches such as P3s will continue to be explored;

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• Funding – increase annual infrastructure funding through the identification of efficiencies in the city government and portion of property tax. Work constructively with other levels of government, both Provincial and Federal, to identify new and increased funding support for Winnipeg’s infrastructure needs; $105 million would be requested from the Provincial government that would be used to repair roadways and core infrastructure.

“The infrastructure situation in Winnipeg is serious, but it also represents an opportunity,” said Bowman. “Tackling the infrastructure challenges in our city will take years, but like the other challenges we face, we can tackle it by working together. We can do it in a transparent and open fashion. We can build together toward that day when Winnipeg is one million people strong.”

INFRASTRUCTURE BACKGROUNDER Bowman’s plan includes long-‐term and short-‐term changes to begin improving Winnipeg’s crumbling infrastructure. In the short-‐term Bowman will adopt the following practices:

• Approve a portion of the planned infrastructure projects two years in advance, instead of year-‐to-‐year. This will allow stakeholders the ability to plan better for upcoming projects. To achieve this will require changes within Public Works and around procurement practices.

• Prioritize the awarding of project design responsibilities to the engineering community. No project can be tendered or a contract awarded without the project being first designed. Have the design work expedited would help speed-‐up the actual construction work phase.

• Tender the projects early. As an example, a high proportion of the planned roadwork should be tendered and awarded earlier in the year (Winter/Spring) before construction season begins in earnest. This allows infrastructure stakeholders to use the winter months to prepare for the coming construction season by organizing supplies and labour requirements.

Explore the use of penalties and bonuses for time sensitive projects. The City should not rely on penalties alone but rather provide an opportunity to reward contractors that finish projects ahead of scheduled, at the required specification and on budget.

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Bowman’s Infrastructure Plan – Guiding Principles

1. Develop a permanent infrastructure plan for the city. The current Master Transportation Plan would serve as the base, but will be built upon to be a more encompassing infrastructure document. The plan will be flexible and under constant review and renewal.

2. Economic growth will be of utmost importance in terms of how projects are evaluated and approved. Infrastructure is critical to our city’s future economic growth. Economic growth leads to increased revenues to keep taxes as low as possible and provide the services Winnipeggers deserve.

3. The City will embrace innovation when it comes to infrastructure renewal. Technology and best practices are changing rapidly in the construction industry. The City can and must do a better job working with stakeholders to take advantage of these advances.

4. The City will continue to look for mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector. P3s can work, as can other arrangements, when done in a transparent and accountable manner.

5. The City will continue to dedicate revenue streams, such as a proportion of property tax increases, to support infrastructure investment.

6. All infrastructure activity and progress on the plan must be periodically reviewed in a public and transparent manner. I am proposing a review every 2 years.

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2.3 Rapid Transit BOWMAN VOWS TO FINISH BUS RAPID TRANSIT All BRT routes to be completed by 2030

Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman pledged to complete the City of Winnipeg’s bus rapid transit project by 2030.

“BRT has been debated at City Hall for decades, and the only thing the city can show for it is one corridor,” said Bowman. “It’s clear to me that City Hall has failed to provide Winnipeggers with access to modern transportation options and it’s time for real leadership on this project.”

Bowman also stated that a completed BRT system will increase ridership, reduce overall commuter traffic on Winnipeg’s streets, and provide Winnipeggers with real transit solutions that help benefit the city.

“Everyone needs to be able to access BRT, not just a portion of the city. By finalizing the BRT project it will create opportunities for development, growth, and increased revenue for the city,” said Bowman.

Bowman cited examples from cities like Cleveland and Portland where similar projects have seen significant success that has resulted in an increase in ridership and millions of dollars in new development for each city. Cleveland experienced an increase of 60 per cent in its ridership and Portland saw more than 2.8 billion dollars invested in new development.

“An accessible transit system means development that is transit oriented,” said Bowman. “When we have a transit system that works, it means more money for development and that development will go towards paying for the expansion and completion of BRT.”

As part of today’s announcement Bowman has also committed to improving the rider experience on Winnipeg Transit. Changes and enhancements to transit would include:

• Enhanced park and ride locations and transit hubs that would also include a variety of commercial and retail services.

• WiFi on transit buses. • Adding smart buses to the transit fleet, which would be used on routes traveling

to all post-‐secondary institutions and to downtown Winnipeg. • Increase amount of bus shelters throughout the city and to host a design contest

to find the 21st century bus shelter.

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Long Range Rapid Transit Concept Plan Source: http://www.winnipeg.ca/cao/pdfs/Winnipeg-‐BRT-‐Backgrounder.pdf

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2.4 Supporting Small Business

Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman today announced a number of initiatives designed to fuel small business growth in Winnipeg.

“The business tax has long been a sore point for Winnipeg's small business community,” said Bowman. “Largely, that’s because Winnipeg is one of the last major cities in Canada that still levies it.”

As part of his plan to help small business, Bowman said if elected he will:

Increase the Small Business Tax Credit to $30,000 (from $23,880), which means businesses with an assessment or annual rental payments of $30,000 or less in 2015 will receive an offsetting credit freeing them from the business tax.

“Reducing the tax burden on small business owners will have a positive impact on the local economy as those dollars will be reinvested in creating jobs and new capital investments,” he said.

Bowman also pledged to:

• Reduce the business tax rate on an annual basis to account for increases in annual rental rates. The current rate is 5.7%; and

• Hold an annual Small Business Summit to discuss and recommend to the Mayor and City Council how business tax revenues can best be used to encourage further growth in the small business sector.

"For nearly a decade I have advocated for small business because I believe they are the backbone of the Winnipeg economy," said Bowman. "Anything that I can do to turn Winnipeg into one of the most inviting communities in Canada to start or run a small business is good for all of Winnipeg."

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2.5 Winnipeg Needs to Grow Smarter

Plan emphasizes the importance of sticking to the plan and realizing the true potential our rivers play in a creating a beautiful city that embraces smarter growth: Bowman

For Winnipeg to grow it needs to make proper use of the plans it has already created to build a more vibrant city centred around a sustainable growth model. Today mayoral candidate Brian Bowman announced a plan that would enable city planning staff to take on a larger role in city development in order to decrease the amount of political opportunism in development projects.

“The city has put a lot of time and energy into developing plans like “Our Winnipeg”, but when it comes to implementing it that’s when city hall falls short of delivering on any meaningful plan to properly grow our city,” said Bowman. “Today isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it’s about making things happen, that are in the best interest of Winnipeg. Not someone’s personal agenda.”

Bowman’s plan for smarter growth includes:

• Mandating a thorough review of the Our Winnipeg Plan with all councillors and city administration to ensure Our Winnipeg plans are being followed for all development plans as well as opening the plan every 2 to 4 years to look at possible amendments to reflect modern realities;

• Removing power from Community Committees over developments and giving greater powers to city planners and council to ensure that development is abiding by the Our Winnipeg guidelines;

• Creation of proper secondary plans for developments that would need to be followed without exception and updating older plans that in some cases haven’t been touched since the 80’s.

“We’ve seen too many times where particular developers or councillors have been given special treatment or have put their own reelection concerns ahead of their duty for the city to grow in a proper way, this needs to end,” said Bowman.

Bowman would also like to see more development emphasis focused on the city’s greatest natural assets – the Red and Assiniboine rivers – to spark redevelopment, smarter growth, more active transportation and recreation. Nearly half of the 240km of waterfront running through Winnipeg is public property owned by the City, and Bowman’s plan will put a proper focus on this incredible opportunity as part of his vision for a stronger, more vibrant city.

“The rivers that run through our city are our greatest assets, symbols of our city, its history and cultural heritage. I think they should play a key role in our future too,” said Bowman. “The Forks North Portage Partnership has created an incredible river

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development plan “Go To The Waterfront,” which was inspired by the Our Winnipeg Plan. I believe this plan is the future of Winnipeg and I will do everything I can to move this along", said Bowman.

Bowman also outlined three major components to his Smart River Growth Strategy:

• Invest in river infrastructure that will be usable regardless of the river levels; expand and develop this infrastructure to have more river paths and allow increased use of the rivers for light impact activity such as canoeing and kayaking;

• Work with the province to control water levels in Winnipeg (a promise made by Greg Selinger five years ago);

• Grow the South Point Douglas community, one of the most transformative opportunities for the City.

“I believe South Point Douglas is the next great Winnipeg neighbourhood. By following the plans already created we can develop our waterfronts and open up this neighbourhood to mixed-‐use housing options and create more opportunities in our inner-‐city,” said Bowman. “When it comes to our rivers, City Hall needs to go beyond watching the water level. As Mayor, I want Winnipeg to become a true river city. Our rivers should serve as a catalyst for improved infill development in areas like South Point Douglas and creating more active transportation and recreation opportunities for families all over the city. This is another example of a challenge we can meet by working together.”

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2.6 Silicon Valley of the North

Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman highlighted Winnipeg’s innovation and technology community and vowed to be a champion for the industry to attract and maintain the best and brightest.

“Innovation and technology are the fuel for growth and the new economy. I have direct experience, working with innovators and entrepreneurs,” said Bowman. “The innovation process and our creativity is not limited to any one industry. Winnipeg’s best kept secret is our emerging innovation and technology sectors.”

Bowman will:

• Symbolically elevate the city’s tech industry by the honourary naming of the strip of Adelaide Street from McDermot Avenue to William Avenue to “Innovation Alley.”

• Making Startup Winnipeg the centre of the previously proposed Creative Campus in the Exchange District (a creative zone that anchors the arts and creative sector within the Exchange District). The goal is to build an animated, authentic, creative and connected neighbourhood that will be home to a mix of unique residential, retail, restaurants, offices, studios and creative spaces that engage the public.

• Using Crowdsourcing to solve complex city problems through the Office of Public Engagement.

Bowman also highlighted previous campaign pledges designed to foster innovation in Winnipeg including:

• Reduce the small business tax rate. • Implement the Open Data policy that would provide much needed information

to our entrepreneurs. • Create an Innovation Committee at City Hall. • Make available WiFi on buses -‐-‐ this is just one example on how the City of

Winnipeg will embrace technology in order to move us to the next step, to have the right climate for developers, entrepreneurs, and students to come here, or stay here, and thrive.

“A mayor has to get technology and how it can be used to grow the economy.” said Bowman.

2.7 Represent Winnipeg on a National Stage

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Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman, made it clear that he is the best candidate to promote Winnipeg on the national and global stage.

“As a business owner, I know how important it is for a city to have leaders who will effectively represent a city on the national stage,” said Bowman. “In my past work with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce I’ve led international trade missions to promote Winnipeg as a place for business investment and growth, worked tirelessly to secure a World Trade Centre licence for Winnipeg and create Yes!Winnipeg , this is the type of leadership experience that the city needs,” added Bowman.

As part of today’s announcement Bowman pledged to:

• Within the 1st year of being elected, travel to every province in Canada, and where appropriate internationally, in order to promote Winnipeg as a good place to do business and invest.

• Work with Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) to enhance online and offline materials promoting business and investment in Winnipeg.

• Better coordinate with the provincial government out-‐of province economic development marketing efforts affecting Winnipeg.

• Work hand-‐in-‐hand with organizations including EDW, Yes!Winnipeg, CentrePort Canada, theWinnipeg Chamber of Commerce and World Trade Centre Winnipeg to attract new businesses and corporate headquarters from other Provinces and internationally.

“We need to promote job creation and attract businesses and investment to Winnipeg,” said Bowman. “Winnipeggers need to ask themselves who do they want to represent them on the national and international stage when it comes to the promotion of our city as a good place to do business, live, and raise a family,” added Bowman.

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3 Safer and Stronger Neighbourhoods

Portage and Main is an iconic intersection in Canada and Bowman will work with stakeholders to tear down its pedestrian barriers and encourage downtown businesses to engage in streetscaping. Winnipeg’s downtown will attract more people by becoming a better and safer place to live under Bowman’s stronger downtown plan that includes Tax Increment Financing opportunities to stimulate residential development.

Community centres are also essential to creating safer, stronger neighbourhoods and they play a central role in shaping our youth and bringing neighbours together. Bowman’s community centre plan involves improved collaboration and engagement between community centres across the city and better use of technology to support volunteers.

To help combat homelessness, Bowman will implement a plan designed to support and protect our city's most vulnerable citizens. The initiatives will help get our homeless off the streets and into care while, at the same time, saving tax dollars by reducing ER visits and ambulance usage.

Bowman’s new plans to increase tourism will leverage opportunities and reinvest revenues to highlight Winnipeg and put it on the map as a premier tourist destination. Winnipeg also has a thriving creative community and citizens will be able to truly experience what Winnipeg’s thriving arts, culture, and heritage scene has to offer and be able to celebrate the city’s rich indigenous arts community.

Relevant Policies

• Bowman Stands Up For Downtown • Combating Homelessness • Developing a Downtown Neighbourhood • Increase Downtown Residents by One Third in First Term • Increasing Tourism in Winnipeg • Stronger Community Centres • Winnipeg to be Internationally Recognized Leader in Indigenous Art & Culture

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3.1 Bowman Stands Up For Downtown Winnipeg

Pledges to tear down the barriers at Portage and Main

Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman made the first in a series of announcements aimed at making downtown an open, accessible, safe and vibrant place for all Winnipeggers.

“Last week there was a lot of discussion about ways to make downtown safe.Unfortunately those solutions have many believing that we should be afraid of our downtown,” said Bowman. “Those solutions fall short, and I want to offer Winnipeggers another vision. A vision of optimism. Because I believe the best way to make downtown safer, and even better, is to bring more people into our downtown community.”

Today, Bowman has pledged to:

• Tear down the pedestrian barriers at Portage and Main, and work with stakeholders to make this happen as soon as possible but by no later than 2019.

• Encourage downtown businesses to engage in streetscaping and creating parklets using adjacent public spaces to create a more walkable and engaging experience in downtown Winnipeg.

• Develop a seasonal pedestrian mall in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. “Portage and Main is an iconic intersection in Canada and it’s a key priority for me to work with the property owners to have it opened.

More people are continually coming to downtown and it’s continuing to grow,” said Bowman. “Construction projects are happening, our Sports Hospitality Entertainment District is thriving, and people continue to flock to local festivals like the Fringe Fest. By continuing to make Downtown a place that is accessible and engaging, it will encourage more people to come here and take in everything that our downtown has to offer.”

If elected Mayor, Bowman has committed to use the proposed Office of Public Engagement (OPE) to work with business owners and community stakeholders to develop the proper solutions required to successfully open Portage and Main, and to implement future strategies to bring more people downtown.

The OPE would also work with stakeholders to determine the location for a pedestrian mall, and assist with improving the process for streetscaping and to assist local businesses with implementing parklets.

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3.2 Combating Homelessness

Mayoral candidate, Brian Bowman, pledged to combat homelessness in Winnipeg with a number of initiatives designed to support and protect our city's most vulnerable citizens.

"It's time for City Hall to provide greater leadership in the community-‐wide effort to reduce the number of Winnipeggers affected by homelessness," said Bowman.

As part of today’s announcement, Bowman pledged to:

• Add five new outreach workers to the Downtown WinnipegBIZ Community Homeless Assistance Team (CHAT) -‐ a unique preventative outreach program dedicated to helping individuals at-‐risk of, or experiencing homelessness.

• Explore tax increment financing as a vehicle to renovate and upgrade some of the core's nearly 200 rooming houses;

• Introduce a motion calling on City Council to officially endorse the United Way of Winnipeg's “Plan to End Homelessness”.

"These initiatives are just a few examples of how we can help get our homeless off the streets and into care while, at the same time, saving tax dollars by reducing ER visits and ambulance usage," said Bowman.

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3.3 Developing a Downtown Neighbourhood Winnipeg’s downtown will attract more people and become a better and safer place to live under Bowman’s plan to create a stronger downtown.

“I want more people living in downtown but to do that we must make downtown a place where residents can grocery shop, let their children play sports and take their dog to a safe off-‐leash dog park,” said Bowman.

Bowman’s plan to create a stronger downtown neighbourhood includes:

• Working with Forks North Portage Partnership on the establishment of a community centre in the new Railside Lands and Parcel 4 development;

• In the immediate future assess and identify current public assets and find private sector partners to create community spaces and work with City Hall administration to open up city properties including city hall for community gatherings;

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• Tasking Yes!Winnipeg, Economic Development Winnipeg, in collaboration with Centre Venture and the Downtown Biz with a mandate to attract a major grocery store to downtown within the next 2 years;

• A downtown fenced in off-‐leash dog park.

“Our downtown needs to feel like a neighbourhood for residents with similar amenities that many people currently enjoy in the suburbs,” said Bowman. “Whether a young family, senior or middle aged you should feel like downtown living is an option and the only way to do that is to create a neighbourhood atmosphere like any other in Winnipeg,” added Bowman.

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3.4 Increase Downtown Residents by One Third in First Term

Winnipeg will enjoy vibrant downtown renewal and development thanks to a plan announced today by Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman.

If elected Mayor, Bowman’s plan will target Winnipeg’s excessive downtown surface parking lots while offering Tax Increment Financing (TIF) opportunities to stimulate residential development. With these two approaches serving as cornerstones, Bowman’s plan will provide new focus and energy to downtown Winnipeg development efforts which have been drifting for years.

“Winnipeg needs a downtown that is more than a place to park. We need a vibrant, active, livable and safe downtown community. The lack of direction from city hall over the years has produced a downtown with too many surface parking lots that create safety concerns, and too little development that brings actual people to live in the area,” said Bowman. “My plan will target the surface parking lots to ensure the taxes on those properties properly reflect the real value of the property while ensuring they are up to proper safety and living standards. My plan will also create new residential downtown development through financing opportunities and incentives.”

Bowman identified five major components of his plan:

• Ensure the property tax rates of surface parking lots are consistent with the average property tax rate paid on properties throughout the downtown;

• Establish and mandate new landscaping and safety standards for downtown surface parking lots which will improve lighting and interconnection with the surrounding properties;

• Provide temporary property tax freeze for any new residential or mixed used developments on surface parking lots;

• Create a new TIF program to support the creation of new residential homes in downtown Winnipeg, with a specific focus on creating housing for people of all backgrounds, not just luxury condos;

• Fund the new TIF program with a portion of the sale of city assets determined as surplus;

“The safest downtown streets are the ones with the most people, not the ones with the most drones. I want our downtown to be the heart a stronger, more vibrant city,” said Bowman. “As I have said throughout this campaign, we are stronger when we are working together. We can do that to create a livable, active and safe downtown for Winnipeg.”

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3.5 Increasing Tourism in Winnipeg

Winnipeggers may finally be able to retire their old Pan Am Games clothing and exchange it for the next major sporting event to come to Winnipeg under an ambitious plan announced today by mayoral candidate Brian Bowman.

“This election is as much about fixing our streets and potholes as it is about restoring our pride and confidence in Winnipeg,” said Bowman. “Today’s ambitious plan will continue to put Winnipeg on the map, increase our revenues from tourism, and allow us to invest that into much needed construction projects aimed at building our city.”

Bowman’s new plan will see the city aggressively working towards increasing the number of tourists visiting Winnipeg. ”Imagine what 50% more tourists—6 million, would be like for Winnipeg. What it would mean for local entrepreneurs. This is a goal worth working for,” said Bowman.

Bowman’s plan would increase annual tourism by leveraging opportunities through sports tourism to aggressively bid on upcoming events, and reinvesting revenues generated by the Accommodation Tax to help highlight Winnipeg and continue to put it on the map as a premier tourist destination.

“Winnipeg has already seen great momentum. In 2015 we will be the host city for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as the Grey Cup in 2015. Building on this momentum and implementing today’s plan, Winnipeg is on the tipping point for even greater things, when locations are being discussed for events like another Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games and host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup I want Winnipeg in on those discussions,” said Bowman.

As part of today’s announcement Bowman also pledged several other key initiatives to bolster tourism activities in Winnipeg:

• Make Tourism Winnipeg an independent body, • Implement a WINNIPASS aimed at providing greater access to many of

Winnipeg’s popular and engaging tourist attractions at a discounted rate. • Better signage for all tourist destinations. • Dedicated transit routes to major tourism destinations. • Encourage more private sector investments in tourism initiatives.

Tourism initiatives will also be bolstered by incremental increases to tourism activities in Winnipeg until the target amount of $5.00 per capita is reached within a four year mandate.

Longer term initiatives will include increased winter activities made possible by the recent adoption of the “Frozen Waterways By-‐law”, with the goal to increase

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restaurants, warming huts, and other recreational activities on the rivers during the winter months.

By working with Tourism Winnipeg and other organizations, Bowman seeks to increase winter Festival activities such as Festival du Voyageur to truly embrace Winnipeg as a winter destination.

“Today’s plan will ensure that revenues generated from the already established Accommodation Tax will be invested wisely to ensure that Winnipeg is at the top of everyone’s travel itinerary while making it easier for a tourist to visit multiple attractions and explore the many hidden gems that Winnipeg has to offer,” said Bowman.

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3.6 Bowman Wants Stronger Community Centres

Winnipeg’s community centres will see greater recognition for its volunteers, improved collaboration, a better use of technology, and more engagement with other centres and an increased volunteer base, under a plan announced today by Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman.

“The volunteers who work tirelessly to keep community centres up and running need more help from the city. Community centres are essential to creating safer and stronger neighbourhoods and they play a central role in shaping our youth and bringing neighbours together,” said Bowman. “I see an opportunity to provide our community centres with new tools to help organize, and to ultimately change the culture to make volunteering at your community centre a given.”

Bowman’s plan to reinvigorate community centres includes working towards:

• Implementing a web based solution that will provide all the coordination tools to bring volunteers into a central system that makes scheduling and communicating with volunteers easier.

• Developing an incentive program to thank volunteers for donating their time at their community centre. This would involve a tracking system that will allow community centre coordinators to issue credits for certain levels of volunteering, these credits can be redeemed for admission to city attractions.

• Creating a social network for community centres that would connect community centre presidents, and fundraising coordinators. This would improve communication among the city’s community centres and assist with developing their teams by sharing best practices.

• Coordinating all purchasing for basic goods and services among all city community centres.

“Every single community centre in Winnipeg has very similar needs in terms of goods and services. Consolidating the purchasing power of 64 community centres can have a significant financial impact and improve the centres access to the goods they need,” said Bowman. “This will result in measurable cost reductions from simply organizing how the same things get bought today.”

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3.7 Winnipeg to be Internationally Recognized Leader in Indigenous Art & Culture

Winnipeg has a thriving arts community and under an ambitious plan announced today by mayoral candidate Brian Bowman, citizens will be able to truly experience what Winnipeg’s thriving arts, culture, and heritage scene has to offer and they will also be able to celebrate the city’s rich indigenous arts community.

As part of today’s announcement Bowman pledged to:

• Incorporate artistic components in all new municipal capital projects with a particular emphasis on Indigenous arts and culture;

• Set the City of Winnipeg Operating Budget allocation for the Winnipeg Arts Council at $7 per capita within two years; with the long-‐term goal of reaching the national average for large Canadian cities;

• Restoring the 5% reduction in funding to civic museums from the 2013 Operating Budget within two years;

• Establish a new dedicated capital fund for upgrades to existing cultural and heritage facilities (eg. museums, concert hall, etc.) with initial funding through tri-‐government negotiations;

• Restructure the Winnipeg Museums Board from a sub-‐committee to be an arm’s-‐length Winnipeg Museums Council and expand its mandate to include all museums located within the City of Winnipeg.

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“We have tremendous people doing great work already in Winnipeg. We need to offer them the right level of support and embrace their work into city processes,” said Bowman. “With my experience as Chair of the Winnipeg Art Gallery I have seen first-‐hand the impact that arts and culture has in the city.”

Bowman cited the new Inuit Art Centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery as one such project that will be of significant importance to promoting indigenous art in Winnipeg, and it will serve as a catalyst that will create many more opportunities to become a leader in indigenous art.

“Indigenous art is a particular form of art that we should be doing so much more to bolster and take pride in as a city,” said Bowman.

Bowman’s plan for arts also includes:

• An Annual Mayor’s State of the City Address on the advancement of arts, culture, heritage and creativity in the City of Winnipeg;

• Creating a volunteer citizens advisory council to advise the Mayor and Council on matters related the promotion of the arts, culture, heritage and creative sectors in Winnipeg;

• Establish a creative campus in Winnipeg’s Exchange District; • Create a task force to identify opportunities to broaden the revenue base for

arts, culture and heritage.

“Given an estimated annual GDP in Winnipeg of $1 Billion from the arts, culture, heritage and creativity sector, bolstering our arts sector makes perfect sense for Winnipeg,” said Bowman. “The sector employs 6.4% of Winnipeg’s workforce and adds to our civic pride. Support from our civic government is essential,” said Bowman.

2014 bowman campaign - final · 2014-10-17 · page!4!of40! 1 acity!hall!that!works!...

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